5 collapse at Military recruitment exercise at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi

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At least five people have gone unconscious during the ongoing military recruitment exercise at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

Reports indicate that one person is in critical condition and receiving treatment at the Emena Hospital in Oforikrom Municipality, while four others are being treated at the Ashanti South Government Hospital.

To avert further casualties, National Security officers have arranged for the Ghana Fire Service to provide water for the recruits.

Additionally, some applicants have been asked to return on Thursday and Friday to reduce overcrowding and prevent a potential stampede.

However, in the Greater Accra Region, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed that six people have died following a stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, during a similar recruitment exercise.

Earlier conflicting reports had suggested 12 deaths, but the GAF later clarified that six fatalities had been confirmed.

According to the military, 28 people were taken to the 37 Military Hospital for treatment, out of which six were pronounced dead, five are in the ICU, and 12 others remain in fairly critical condition.

The stampedes in both regions have been attributed to overcrowding and chaotic scenes as thousands of young Ghanaians rushed to secure enlistment into the Ghana Armed Forces amid the country’s growing unemployment challenges.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has suspended its ongoing military recruitment exercise at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra until further notice.